Relating to the survival of, and the bringing of a cause of action for, wrongful death of an unborn child

Topics:Courts & civil law Reproductive rights

Same legislation: HF 2518

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Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 31, 2024
Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 31, 2024
Done: House committeeFebruary 13, 2024
Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2518
Next: Senate committee
Next: Passes the Senate
Next: To the Governor
Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2518 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2518 What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary This law would allow families to file a lawsuit for the wrongful death of an unborn child. It defines an unborn child as a human organism from the moment of fertilization until live birth. By making this change, the law ensures that the right to sue for a death survives even if the unborn child is the one who died.¹

Read the official explanation

This bill relates to the survival of, and the bringing of a cause of action for, the wrongful death of an unborn child. Code section 611.20 (actions survive) provides that all causes of action shall survive and may be brought notwithstanding the death of the person entitled or liable to the cause of action. The bill amends the Code section to provide that specifically for the purposes of the survival of, and the bringing of a cause of action for, wrongful death of an unborn child, “person” includes the unborn child. The bill defines “unborn child” as an individual organism of the species homo sapiens from fertilization to live birth.

Full bill text²

House subcommittee

Named January 31, 2024. On February 7, 2024 it recommended passage. Vote Total: 2-1.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

1 written public comment to its subcommittee: February 7, 2024 (1) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§611.20

How the Code works³

Lobbying

8 for · 6 against · 1 undecided · Who →

Family tree

90th General Assembly

HF 2230Renumbered HF 2518Cleared committeefrom HF 2230

Picked up later

HF 106Cleared committee91st GA

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.

Similar bills

HF 106 Relating to the survival of, and the bringing of a cause of action for, wrongful death of …
91st General Assembly · In committee
Nearly identical

Matched by wording or an identical title.